Joseph Patrick Kessler

Joseph Patrick Kessler, age 50, of Walker, Minnesota, passed away on September 28, 2012. He was greeted in heaven by his parents Bill and Gertrude Kessler. Survived by his adoring daughters Samantha and Lauren Kessler, and their mother Jean Kessler all of Long Lake. He is also survived by his siblings Dr. Susan (Mark) Halter of LaCrosse, WI; Christine (Dr. William) Piotrowski of St. Croix Falls, WI; Dr. Charles (Laurie) Kessler of Onalaska, WI; Dr. Anne (Michael) Brutlag of Plymouth; and John (Laura) Kessler of Rosemount. Also survived by many nieces and nephews and countless friends. Joe was born on November 4, 1961, in Pine City, Minnesota. He graduated from Pine City High School in 1980 and from St. John’s University in 1984. He worked for many years in the insurance industry. Joe was a loving father, successful businessman, excellent athlete and proud graduate of St. John’s University. Joe was most proud of his daughters, Samantha and Lauren, who were following in his footsteps at St. John’s sister school the College of St. Benedict. He was proud that they grew to be strong, smart and beautiful girls who loved God. He was an excellent cook and loved to entertain. He was happiest spending time with his girls at his cabin on Ten Mile Lake in Hackensack. Joe will be remembered for his charismatic, kind hearted and loving manner. We will miss him greatly. “Come to me, all you who labor and are burdened, and I will give you rest.” Matthew 11:28. A Mass of Christian Burial will be held on Thursday, October 4th at 10:30 am at Immaculate Conception Church, 535 8th St. SW, Pine City. Visitation will be on Wednesday, October 3rd from 4 to 7pm with a Prayer Service and Rosary at 7 pm at Swanson Funeral Home, 665 3rd Ave. SW, Pine City, and for one hour prior to the funeral at the church. Memorials to the Joseph P. Kessler Memorial Fund will be used for his daughters’ education. The family would like to thank the amazing staff of doctors at St. Mary’s Hospital in Rochester, MN for the skilled and compassionate care they provided to Joe. Also a heartfelt thank you to the excellent team of nurses that took great care of Joe during his stay. You were all a blessing to Joe and our family. Arrangements are entrusted to the Funeral and Cremation Service ~ Swanson Chapel, Pine City, Minnesota